What’s your Concussion IQ?

Concussions can occur while participating in any sport or recreational activity. Since the circumstances under which a concussion can be sustained are so varied, it is important for all coaches, parents, and athletes to educate themselves on the signs, symptoms, and what to do if a concussion occurs.

Start by taking this short quiz to test your concussion knowledge. Hopefully the information you take away from it will help you better respond to, or even prevent, a concussion.

What is a concussion (check all that apply)?

A bruise to the brain

A black out or loss of consciousness

A traumatic brain injury

Whiplash

Correct!

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can change the way your brain normally functions. There is usually no physical damage to the brain, such as bruising. Blackout or loss of consciousness may occur at the same time as a concussion, but it is independent of the concussion. A whiplash injury may be associated with a concussion but is considered to be a different injury.

A concussion can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body or any other activity that causes the head to move or rotate rapidly (such as whiplash).

How do you identify a concussion (check all that apply)?

By looking at a CT or MRI scan of the brain

By watching for specific symptoms

By attempting to walk in a straight line with your arms extended

By checking your heart rate and blood pressure

Correct!

Any change in the athlete’s behaviour, thinking, or physical functioning can be an indication that a concussion has been sustained. A concussion can’t be detected via a CT or MRI scan and some athletes may not experience and/or report symptoms until hours or days after the injury. Most people with a concussion will recover quickly and fully. But for some people, signs and symptoms of concussion can last for days, weeks, or longer. It is important to note that only a medical doctor can diagnose a concussion.

Symptoms of a concussion can be physical, cognitive and/or emotional. It is important to note that not everyone who sustains a concussion will experience all (or even most) of these symptoms. What this means is that if any of these symptoms are present, a concussion should be suspected and evaluated by a health professional. (Keep in mind that symptoms and signs may be more pronounced later or the next day after the injury.)

How do you reduce the likelihood of getting a concussion (check all that apply)?

Wear a properly fitted helmet

Avoid high-contact situations

Avoid high-contact sports until the age of 18

Increased level of physical fitness, including cardiovascular and strength training

Correct!

While there is absolutely no evidence to support the theory that helmets can prevent concussions, they can help prevent head bleeds and skull fractures. Make sure athletes wear the right protective equipment for their activity (such as helmets, padding, shin guards, and eye and mouth guards). Protective equipment should fit properly, be well maintained, and be worn consistently and correctly.

Teach and practice safe playing techniques where opponents are respected, while also encouraging athletes to follow the rules of play, practice good sportsmanship at all times, and maintain an optimal level of physical fitness.

What should you do immediately after noticing symptoms of a concussion (check all that apply)?

Rest for a few minutes until the effects wear off, then resume your activity

Tell a friend, family member, teammate, trainer or coach that you think you might have a concussion

Remove yourself from the sport or activity

Seek medical attention immediately

Correct!

Look for signs and symptoms of a concussion if you or your athlete experiences a bump or blow to the head or body. When in doubt, always keep the athlete out of play.

Inform someone (parents, guardians, coach, etc.) about the possible concussion. Make sure the person you inform knows that the athlete should be seen by a health care professional experienced in concussion evaluation. Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself. The sooner the athlete seeks medical attention, the sooner he or she can get on the road to recovery.

What is the appropriate treatment for a concussion (check all that apply)?

Complete mental and physical rest for the first 48 hours following a concussion

Prescribed medication

Psychiatric evaluation

Physiotherapy

Gradual return to activity that does not worsen symptoms and is followed closely by a qualified health care professional

Correct!

When a player shows any signs or symptoms of concussion, they should not be allowed to return to play in the current game or practice. Physical activity increases post concussive symptom severity and prolongs recovery, thus, the most important initial management feature for concussion is rest. New research shows that a gradual return to mental and physical activity that remains below the symptom exacerbation threshold actually helps participants recover faster than rest alone. Most participants make a full recovery in 2 weeks, however, should symptoms persist for longer than 2 wee

After a concussion, when should you return to sports (check all that apply)?

As soon as the immediate effects wear off

After you have completed a 6 step protocol with gradual and monitored activity

After you have been cleared by your doctor

Never

Correct!

It’s important to be cleared by a doctor, but a concussed athlete still needs to follow the 6-step "Return to Play" protocol:

Symptom limited activity

Light aerobic exercise

Sport-specific activities and training (eg. skating in hockey).

No contact or risk of contact.

Drills without body contact.

Begin drills with body contact.

Game play.

For more detailed steps, please see the following resource. There are no time limits for the completion of each step, and each athlete will respond differently. However, at a minimum, each step should take a full day to complete.